StarTech.com 525FCREAD Manual

5.25” Bay Multi-Port Panel with a 6-in-1
Flash Card Reader/Writer
525FCREAD
525FCREADBK Instruction Guide
The Professionals’ Source For Hard-to-Find Computer Parts
USB 22.0 FFLASH
CARD READER
* Actual product may vary from photo
* 525FCREADBK shown

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

1
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using Your Multi Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com 5.25” bay multi-panel. This multi-purpose
panel fits into an open 5.25” bay and provides you with a 6-in-1 card reader, two USB 2.0
ports, an IEEE 1394a port, two S/PDIF ports, and two audio ports, all conveniently
located on the front of your computer. The 6-in-1 reader works with CompactFlash
memory cards, IBM-Microdrives, SmartMedia memory cards, Memory Stick cards,
SecureDigital memory cards, and Multi-Media cards. The card reader plugs into any USB
port and uses no external power source, letting you transport your cards between
computers and laptops safely and easily. The interface makes it easy to transfer files,
images, and music between your computer and your MP3 player, digital camera, cell
phone, or PDA.
Features
•Supports six different types of flash cards: CompactFlash memory cards, IBM-
Microdrives, SmartMedia memory cards, Memory Stick cards, SecureDigital memory
cards, and Multi-Media cards
•Provides convenient front USB 2.0, IEEE 1394a, S/PDIF, and audio jacks
•Uses four blue LEDs to keep you informed of card reader activity
•Powered by the USB bus, no external power source is needed
•Supports drag and drop between cards
•Reads and writes any files suited for PC or Mac computers
•Fits into any 5.25” drive bay
•Backed by StarTech.com’s one-year warranty
Before You Begin
To ensure a quick and easy installation, please read through this section carefully before
attempting to install the multi-panel.
WARNING! Flash cards, like all computer equipment, can be severely damaged by static
electricity. Be sure that you are properly grounded before opening your computer case or
touching your card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static strap when
installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap is unavailable, discharge
yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface
(such as the computer case) for several seconds.
System Requirements
•Windows 98SE (or higher) with a Pentium-class (or compatible) processor, or Mac OS
X with a Power PC (or above).
•ACD drive
•AUSB port

3
Contents
This package should contain:
•1x 6-in-1 card reader
•1x driver disk
Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of your multi panel and the related
software. Please read through the instructions carefully and complete each step in the
order listed.
Depending on your OS and the configuration of your system, the instructions below may
not be identical to what you see on your screen.
Installing the Panel
1. Make sure that your system is unplugged and you are grounded.
2. Remove the cover of your system and remove the cover from a 5.25” drive bay (see
your computer's user manual for details, if necessary).
3. Gently insert the panel into the open 5.25” bay (after threading the attached cables
into the computer) until it is flush with the front of the case. Make sure the bracket is
lined up with the screwholes in the case, and screw the panel into place.
4. Next you will plug in your cables. There are seven cables in all:
•3x USB 2.0 cables. These cables plug into open USB ports on the back of your
computer. Two of the USB cables are for the front USB ports. The third cable
(slightly separate from the larger group of cables) is for the card reader.
•1x IEEE 1394a cable. This cable plugs into an open FireWire port on the back of
your computer.
•1x black/white S/PDIF cable. The two S/PDIF connectors plug into the audio pins
on your motherboard. On the S/PDIF cable, the black wire is Ground, and the
white wire is Signal. The location of the audio pins on your motherboard depends
on your motherboard manufacturer. Check with your motherboard documentation
before connecting the S/PDIF cable. (Some sound cards use different connectors for
S/PDIF. If you need to use the second audio connector, plug S/PDIF cable’s white
wire into Pin 4 and the black wire into Pin 6 on the second cable)
•1x green headphone cable. This cable plugs into the headphone port on the back of
your computer.
•1x pink microphone cable. This cable plugs into the pink microphone port on the
back of your computer.

4
5. Put your case’s cover back on and power on your computer.
6. Your computer will display a message saying new hardware has been found.
Windows 98SE and 2000 users: Follow the onscreen prompts and direct Windows to
the appropriate folder on the driver disk. Windows will install the necessary drivers.
Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Using Your Multi Panel
Connect your USB, FireWire, and audio devices to the front ports as directed by the
device manufacturer.
The blue LEDs on the panel are your best indication of the card reader’s activity.
• A flashing Access LED indicates that there is data being transferred to or from the
card.
Inserting a Card
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Insert your memory card into the proper slot on the card reader.
3. Mac users: A new icon will appear on your desktop.
Windows users: A new icon will appear in “My Computer.”
4. The card can now be accessed as an extra disk.
USB 2.0
IEEE
1394a
S/PDIF
Coaxial
Out
S/PDIF
Optical
Fiber Out
Mic
In
Stereo
Out
Activity
LEDs

5
Removing a Card
1. Make sure that none of the LEDs on the front of the card reader are flashing. If you
remove the card when the LEDs are flashing, data may be lost from your card.
2. Mac users should drag the memory card icon to the Trash bin.
Windows users should right-click on the drive icon and choose to eject the card.
3. Physically remove the card from the reader.
Removing the Card Reader
Use this procedure to uninstall the card reader.
Windows users
1. Make sure there is no card reader connected to the USB port.
2. Click on the “Uninstaller” icon in the taskbar.
3. Click on “USB Storage Device - Change/Remove.”
4. Remove all installed components and click Next.
5. Choose to restart your computer and click Finish.
Mac users
1. If there is a memory card connected to the card reader, drag the memory card icon
into the Trash. Wait until the icon has disappeared.
2. Disconnect the card reader.

6
Troubleshooting
The card reader is not detected.
The reader has not been properly connected or is not receiving enough power. Make sure
that the reader’s USB cable is firmly seated in the USB port.
The card doesn’t fit in the reader.
Make sure you are installing the card in the proper slot and that the card is facing the
right direction. Check with the card manufacturer’s instructions.
Adrive letter is shown for the card, but it can’t be accessed.
The card has not been formatted or is formatted incorrectly. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of your digital media device (i.e., your MP3 player, digital
camera, etc.) to format the card using your digital media device.
No icon appears when a card is inserted into the reader (Mac OS X).
The card may have been formatted in Windows’ FAT-32 format. Using a PC or digital
device, re-format the card using the OS X-compatible FAT or FAT-16 format.

7
Technical Specifications
Front Ports 2 x USB 2.0
1 x IEEE 1394a
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF
1 x TosLink optical fiber
2 x 3.5mm stereo jack
Data Transfer Rate USB 2.0 devices: Up to 480 Mbits/sec
USB 1.1 devices: Up to 12 Mbits/sec
IEEE 1394a devices: Up to 400 Mbits/sec
Flash Cards: 700 Kbits/sec to 480 Mbits/sec
Compatibility: Compact Flash I & II Card
IBM Micro Drive
Smart Media Card
Secure Digital Card
Multi-Media Card
Memory Stick
LED Indicators 4 x Activity (blue)
Power DC 5V (from USB)
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2.5 x 5.8 x 1.7 in. (65 x 147 x 42mm)
Operating Temperature 32~158ºF (0~70ºC)
Storage Temperature -40~158ºF (-40~70ºC)
System Requirements An available 5.25” bay
98SE/2000/ME/XP or Mac OS X

8
Technical Support
The following technical resources are available for this StarTech.com product:
On-line help:
We are constantly adding new information to the Tech Support section of our web site. To
access this page, click the Tech Support link on our homepage, www.startech.com. In the
tech support section there are a number of options that can provide assistance with this
product.
Knowledge Base - This tool allows you to search for answers to common issues using
key words that describe the product and your issue.
FAQ - This tool provides quick answers to the top questions asked by our customers.
Downloads - This selection takes you to our driver download page where you can
find the latest drivers for this product.
Call StarTech.com tech support for help:
USA/Canada: 1-519-455-4931
UK/Ireland/Europe: 00-800-7827-8324
Support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST (except holidays)
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a one-year warranty. In addition, StarTech.com warrants its
products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted,
following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be
returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The
warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products
from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and
tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their
officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect,
special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business,
or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual
price paid for the product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement
may not apply to you.

Revised: October 31, 2003